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How GOOD is New England?

This is unbelievable. They're on the road, against a much tougher matchup, and they're beating on Pittsburg MORE than they did us! WE gave up less points in our GAME than the Steelers have in this first HALF. Wow.

They just. Find. Ways. To win. I don't like them, but I'm impressed with them.

Re: How GOOD is New England?

I'll have to ask Jay about this. For over a week I was hearing about how PIT was the type of team to beat NE (or win titles), because they've got the tough D, etc, etc. Surely PIT should have put up more of a fight than us? Considering the makeup of the teams?

Re: How GOOD is New England?

They are not more physically talented than other teams, the true greatness of the Patriots lies within the ability to be mentally one step ahead of the opponent. Sometimes the difference is very subtle, but it's there.

Re: How GOOD is New England?

They are not more physically talented than other teams, the true greatness of the Patriots lies within the ability to be mentally one step ahead of the opponent. Sometimes the difference is very subtle, but it's there.

Partially true. I'd say that their starters are not vastly more talented than most teams, but they are very frugal in sepending money on starters and can afford some very high quality 2nd and 3rd stringers. Since injuries are a fact of life in the NFL, their depth becomes more important as the season wears on. Their quality coaching also turns other teams' rejects into quality contributors.

I doubt that any other team could withstand the loss of their top two cornerbacks and and a pro bowl defensive lineman (Seymour) and still win.

Everybody but Brady and Dillon are backed up by somebody who's only a very slight dropoff in talent, and Belichick devises schemes to make that difference in talent irrelevant.

Bottom line, they are fundamentally sound (good tackling, few stupid plays), smart, aggressive, and believe 100% in their roles and the absolute certainty that if they play to their abilities, the game plan will assure victory.

Re: How GOOD is New England?

Damn.

I was impressed with New England.

They found our two weaknesses (secondary, a rookie QB getting shakier every week) and beat us silly with them.

Belichick is a great coach - from that reverse on the first play from scrimmage that put our front-seven on their heels the rest of the game to an unexpected defensive strategy of giving Ben time to throw, but confusing him with the coverage assignments downfield. Brilliant.

And then they could line up eight men in the box to stop the running game. They are so versatile on both sides of the ball.

Congrats to NE.

Why do the things that we treasure most, slip away in time
Till to the music we grow deaf, to God's beauty blind
Why do the things that connect us slowly pull us apart?
Till we fall away in our own darkness, a stranger to our own hearts
And life itself, rushing over me
Life itself, the wind in black elms,
Life itself in your heart and in your eyes, I can't make it without you